New report criticises prison health

A joint report by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) suggests that progress has been made in some areas.

However, investigators found that broader arrangements are needed to monitor the quality of care and to ensure that patients' needs are the main focus.

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In particular, the report describes arrangements for continuity of healthcare at the time of prisoners' transfer and release as inadequate and worsening.

CQC programme manager Alex Baylis revealed: 'People in prison are often not registered with a doctor and have a high prevalence of chaotic lifestyles, which can involve - for example - substance misuse and mental health issues.

'Expecting them to make their own arrangements can mean they may end up without access to healthcare.'

The report also notes that there has been no improvement in the provision of drug treatment.

Earlier this year, a report from the chief inspector of prisons claimed that prisons in general had improved over recent years.

However, the report noted that concerns remained about primary mental health services and alcohol misuse.

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